37 Tex. Admin. Code § 15.7 – Occupational License (Essential Need)

(a) An occupational license authorizes the driving of any motor vehicle subject to the restrictions imposed and is a special license issued without photograph by the Driver Improvement and Control Bureau in Austin upon authorization by a district court or county court. It may authorize the driving of any motor vehicle:
1. (1) in the performance of an occupation or trade or transportation to and from such occupation or trade;
2. (2) for transportation to and from an educational facility in which the person is enrolled; or
3. (3) in the performance of essential household duties.
(b) The person issued an occupational license is required to carry a certified copy of the court order showing the restrictions imposed by the court along with the license issued by Driver Improvement and Control Bureau and is required to show the court order and license to a peace officer on request.
(c) The basic requirements for the issuance of an occupational license are:
1. (1) a certified copy of petition and a copy of a legally issued certified court order finding an essential need for operating a motor vehicle as provided in subsection (a) of this section and setting forth the conditions for such driving; and
2. (2) the filing of an SR-22 and the maintenance of such proof of financial responsibility.
(d) The fee is $10 for one year. If the suspension is an automatic suspension or a safety responsibility suspension which has become effective, an additional statutory reinstatement fee is required with the SR-22 form.
(e) The expiration date will be shown on the license and will be the first of the following dates, unless further extended by the court:
1. (1) when the suspension ends; or
2. (2) as determined by court order.
(f) A certified copy of the court order by itself may be used as a restricted license for a period of 30 days from the date of the order.

Source Note:The provisions of this §15.7 adopted to be effective January 1, 1976; amended to be effective January 29, 1985, 10 TexReg 172; amended to be effective November 27, 1990, 15 TexReg 6501; amended to be effective May 10, 2000, 25 TexReg 4190.